Drip vs ConvertKit
A comprehensive comparison of Drip and ConvertKit for drip email campaigns, covering automation capabilities, sequences, triggers, pricing, and creator-focused features.
Last updated: 2026-03-15
Drip
www.drip.comMarketing automation built for ecommerce
Best for: Ecommerce brands running behavior-driven drip sequences
ConvertKit
www.kit.comThe creator marketing platform
Best for: Content creators, bloggers, and digital product sellers needing simple automation
TL;DR: Drip vs ConvertKit for Drip Campaigns
Drip offers significantly more powerful automation and ecommerce drip capabilities, while ConvertKit provides a simpler, creator-friendly approach to email sequences. ConvertKit is better for bloggers and course creators; Drip is better for ecommerce. For SaaS companies, Sequenzy provides specialized drip sequences that neither platform addresses natively.
Best for ecommerce brands needing advanced, behavior-driven drip automation.
Best for content creators and bloggers who want simple, tag-based email sequences.
Best for SaaS companies needing subscription lifecycle drip sequences out of the box.
Editor's Note
Drip and ConvertKit were both founded in 2013 but evolved in opposite directions. Drip focused on ecommerce automation, while ConvertKit embraced the creator economy. Neither is objectively better; they serve different audiences. SaaS companies may find Sequenzy to be a better fit than either.
Drip vs ConvertKit vs Sequenzy: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Drip | ConvertKit | Sequenzy | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Automation Builder | Yes, workflow-based | Yes, simple visual builder | Yes, sequence-focused builder | Drip |
| Conditional Branching | If/else splits with multiple conditions | Basic if/else branches | If/else with subscription context | Drip |
| Time-Delay Options | Fixed delays, time windows, timezone-aware | Fixed delays and date-based | Fixed delays, event-relative timing | Drip |
| Tag-Based System | Tags plus custom fields and segments | Tag-centric subscriber management | Tags plus subscription attributes | Tie |
| A/B Testing | Split testing in workflows | Subject line A/B testing | Subject and content A/B tests | Drip |
| Free Plan | No (14-day trial) | Yes (10,000 subscribers, limited) | No (14-day trial) | ConvertKit |
| Creator Commerce | Not a focus | Built-in digital product and tip jar sales | Not a focus | ConvertKit |
| Plain-Text Email Focus | Visual and HTML templates | Plain-text-first philosophy | Clean, minimal templates | ConvertKit |
| SaaS Trial Sequences | Manual setup required | Manual setup required | Pre-built trial conversion flows | Sequenzy |
| Dunning Email Sequences | Not built-in | Not built-in | Native Stripe/Paddle dunning flows | Sequenzy |
| Ecommerce Integration Depth | Deep (Shopify, WooCommerce) | Basic (Shopify via third-party) | Limited ecommerce focus | Drip |
| Newsletter Monetization | Not supported | Creator Network, paid newsletters | Not supported | ConvertKit |
Score Breakdown
Totals: Drip 78/100, ConvertKit 70/100, Sequenzy 85/100.
Drip Email Feature Comparison
Feature-by-feature analysis of drip campaign capabilities.
Sequence Building
| Feature | Drip | ConvertKit | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual Workflow Editor | 9/10 Drag-and-drop workflow builder with ecommerce actions | 7/10 Simple visual automation builder with clean interface | 8/10 Streamlined sequence builder for drip flows |
| Pre-built Sequence Templates | 7/10 Ecommerce-focused workflow templates | 7/10 Creator-focused templates: welcome, course, launch | 9/10 SaaS templates: onboarding, trial, dunning, win-back |
| Multi-step Sequences | 9/10 Complex multi-step workflows with parallel paths | 7/10 Linear sequences with basic branching | 8/10 Multi-step sequences with subscription triggers |
| Sequence Scheduling | 8/10 Time windows, day restrictions, timezone-aware | 7/10 Day and time-based scheduling | 8/10 Timezone detection and optimal send times |
| Goal Tracking | 8/10 Conversion goals tied to purchases and tags | 6/10 Basic goal tracking via tag application | 8/10 Goals tied to subscription upgrades and activation |
Trigger System
| Feature | Drip | ConvertKit | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Behavioral Triggers | 9/10 Deep ecommerce behavior tracking | 6/10 Link click and tag-based triggers | 8/10 In-app event and feature usage tracking |
| Event-Based Triggers | 8/10 Custom events via API, Shopify events | 6/10 Tag added, form submitted, product purchased | 9/10 Subscription events: trial, payment, plan change |
| Segment Entry Triggers | 8/10 Dynamic segment entry/exit triggers | 6/10 Tag-based segment triggers | 8/10 Segment triggers with subscription context |
| Webhook Triggers | 8/10 Incoming webhooks for automation starts | 6/10 Basic webhook support via API | 8/10 Webhooks with Stripe/Paddle payload parsing |
| Date-Based Triggers | 7/10 Anniversary and date-field triggers | 7/10 Date-based triggers for subscriber fields | 8/10 Trial expiry, billing date triggers |
Personalization
| Feature | Drip | ConvertKit | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Content Blocks | 8/10 Show/hide content based on tags and purchase data | 5/10 Limited; primarily Liquid-based conditional text | 8/10 Dynamic blocks for plan type and subscription status |
| Liquid Templating | 9/10 Full Liquid support for advanced personalization | 7/10 Liquid support in email content | 7/10 Merge fields with subscription-aware variables |
| Product Recommendations | 9/10 AI product recommendations from purchase history | 3/10 Not a focus; basic product links only | 5/10 Feature recommendations based on usage |
| Send Time Optimization | 7/10 Timezone-based sending | 5/10 Manual scheduling only | 7/10 Timezone-aware with engagement optimization |
| Subscriber Preferences | 7/10 Preference center via custom fields | 7/10 Tag-based topic preferences | 7/10 Subscription-aware preference management |
Lifecycle Management
| Feature | Drip | ConvertKit | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome Sequences | 8/10 Ecommerce welcome with product highlights | 8/10 Creator-focused welcome with content delivery | 9/10 SaaS onboarding welcome with activation milestones |
| Re-engagement Campaigns | 8/10 Win-back flows for inactive buyers | 6/10 Cold subscriber re-engagement via tagging | 9/10 Pre-built win-back for churning SaaS subscribers |
| Churn Prevention | 6/10 Not subscription-focused | 4/10 Basic unsubscribe management only | 9/10 Native churn prevention with dunning |
| Upsell/Cross-sell Sequences | 9/10 Post-purchase upsell with product recommendations | 6/10 Basic upsell via tag-based sequences | 8/10 Plan upgrade sequences based on usage |
| Trial Conversion Flows | 5/10 Not SaaS-focused; manual setup | 5/10 Basic timed sequences possible | 10/10 Purpose-built trial conversion with daily optimization |
Pricing Comparison
ConvertKit offers a free plan for up to 10,000 subscribers (with limited features), making it accessible for creators. Drip starts at $39/mo with all features included. Sequenzy starts at $19/mo, positioning itself between the two on price.
14-day free trial with all features
Free plan: up to 10,000 subscribers, limited automations, no sequences
14-day free trial with all features
| Tier | Drip | ConvertKit | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry / Creator | $39/mo 2,500 contacts, unlimited emails, all features | $29/mo 1,000 subscribers, visual automations, sequences, integrations | $19/mo 1,000 contacts, 15,000 emails, all drip features |
| Growth / Creator Pro | $89/mo 5,000 contacts, all features included | $59/mo 1,000 subscribers, newsletter referral system, scoring, analytics | $49/mo 5,000 contacts, 75,000 emails, priority support |
| Scale | $154/mo 10,000 contacts, volume pricing | $111/mo 5,000 subscribers, all Creator Pro features | $99/mo 15,000 contacts, 200,000 emails, dedicated IP |
Pricing Verdict: ConvertKit's free plan is compelling for creators starting out. For automation power per dollar, Drip and Sequenzy offer more. Sequenzy is the most affordable option for SaaS drip campaigns with full feature access.
Cost Note
ConvertKit's free plan is one of the most generous in the industry (10K subscribers), but it lacks automations and sequences. The paid Creator plan adds these features at $29/mo. Drip's $39/mo starting price includes everything. Sequenzy's $19/mo entry point is the most affordable for full drip capabilities.
Drip Campaign Types Comparison
How each platform handles different types of drip email campaigns.
Welcome/Onboarding
Introduce new subscribers and deliver initial value.
Drip
Ecommerce welcome series with product highlights
ConvertKit
Creator-focused welcome with lead magnet delivery
Sequenzy
SaaS onboarding with activation milestones
Verdict: ConvertKit excels at creator welcome; Sequenzy wins for SaaS onboarding.
Abandoned Cart
Recover revenue from abandoned shopping carts.
Drip
Best-in-class cart recovery with product blocks
ConvertKit
No native cart abandonment features
Sequenzy
Basic support (not primary focus)
Verdict: Drip is the clear winner for cart abandonment campaigns.
Trial Conversion
Convert free trial users to paid subscribers.
Drip
Manual setup, not SaaS-focused
ConvertKit
Basic timed sequences possible but not purpose-built
Sequenzy
Purpose-built trial conversion with day-by-day optimization
Verdict: Sequenzy is purpose-built for SaaS trial conversion.
Course/Content Drip
Deliver educational content or course modules on a schedule.
Drip
Possible with timed workflows
ConvertKit
Excellent; designed for content and course delivery
Sequenzy
Possible with scheduled sequences
Verdict: ConvertKit is designed for dripping educational content to subscribers.
Product Launch
Build anticipation and drive sales for a new product launch.
Drip
Product launch via timed workflows with purchase triggers
ConvertKit
Launch sequences with countdown and tag-based targeting
Sequenzy
Launch sequences for new features and plan tiers
Verdict: ConvertKit's creator-focused launch tools edge out Drip.
Win-Back / Re-engagement
Re-activate inactive subscribers or lapsed customers.
Drip
Win-back flows for inactive buyers
ConvertKit
Cold subscriber cleanup and re-engagement
Sequenzy
Pre-built win-back for churning SaaS users
Verdict: Drip for ecommerce win-back; Sequenzy for SaaS churn prevention.
Dunning / Payment Recovery
Recover failed subscription payments automatically.
Drip
Not natively supported
ConvertKit
Not supported
Sequenzy
Native Stripe/Paddle dunning sequences
Verdict: Only Sequenzy offers native dunning capabilities.
Upsell / Expansion
Encourage upgrades and additional purchases.
Drip
Product recommendation upsell flows
ConvertKit
Upsell via tag-based sequences for digital products
Sequenzy
Usage-based plan upgrade sequences
Verdict: Drip for ecommerce upsell; Sequenzy for SaaS plan upgrades.
The Bigger Picture
The fundamental difference in campaign types reflects each tool's DNA. ConvertKit excels at content drip (course delivery, lead magnets, newsletters), while Drip excels at commerce-driven drips (cart recovery, post-purchase, upsell). Sequenzy fills the SaaS gap that both leave open.
Automation Builder Comparison
| Feature | Drip | ConvertKit | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drag-and-Drop Builder | Yes Visual workflow builder with ecommerce actions | Yes Simple, clean visual automation editor | Yes Streamlined drip sequence builder |
| Conditional Branching | Yes If/else splits with multiple conditions | Yes Basic if/else branching | Yes Subscription-aware condition branches |
| A/B Split Testing | Yes Email-level split testing in workflows | Yes Subject line A/B tests only | Yes Subject and content A/B tests |
| Goal/Conversion Tracking | Yes Purchase-based conversion goals | No No native automation goal tracking | Yes Subscription conversion goals |
| Nested Automations | No Can trigger other workflows | No Automations can add/remove from sequences | No Cross-sequence triggers |
| Wait Conditions | Yes Time delays, wait-until-date, time windows | Yes Delay steps with time-based waits | Yes Time delays, event waits, state waits |
| Multi-Channel Steps | No Email only | No Email only | No Email focused with webhook actions |
| Automation Templates | Yes Ecommerce workflow blueprints | Yes Creator-focused automation templates | Yes SaaS-specific sequence templates |
Email Templates & Editor
| Aspect | Drip | ConvertKit | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Editor Type | Visual point-and-click with Liquid | Plain-text-first with minimal formatting | Block-based editor with merge fields |
| Pre-built Templates | Ecommerce-focused templates | Minimal templates (creator aesthetic) | SaaS-optimized drip templates |
| Custom HTML | Full HTML with Liquid engine | HTML editing available | HTML with subscription merge tags |
| Dynamic Content | Liquid-powered dynamic blocks | Liquid conditional text in emails | Dynamic sections based on plan and status |
| Mobile Preview | Built-in mobile preview | Responsive by default (plain-text focus) | Mobile preview with responsive defaults |
| Brand Kit | Saved brand colors and fonts | Minimal branding options | Brand settings across all templates |
Deliverability Comparison
| Factor | Drip | ConvertKit | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Inbox Rate | 93-95% | 95-97% | 94-96% |
| Dedicated IP | Available at higher volumes | Not available | Available on Scale plan ($99/mo) |
| SPF/DKIM/DMARC | Full support with guided setup | Full support with domain authentication | Full support with one-click verification |
| Spam Testing | Basic spam score preview | No built-in spam testing | Spam score checking before send |
| List Hygiene Tools | Engagement-based cleanup | Cold subscriber tagging and cleanup | Auto bounce handling, engagement suppression |
| Sending Reputation | Good shared IP reputation | Excellent reputation; creator-focused pool | SaaS-focused pool with clean reputation |
ConvertKit has some of the best deliverability in the industry, partly because its plain-text-focused emails and creator audience lead to high engagement. Drip has solid deliverability for ecommerce senders. Sequenzy benefits from a clean SaaS sender pool.
Integration Ecosystem
Drip: ~150 integrations. ConvertKit: ~120. Sequenzy: ~45.
Ecommerce
| Service | Drip | ConvertKit | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shopify | Yes (Deep native integration) | Yes (Via third-party integration) | Yes (Basic webhook integration) |
| WooCommerce | Yes (Deep native integration) | Yes (Via integration) | No (Not supported) |
| Gumroad | Yes (Via Zapier) | Yes (Native integration) | No (Not supported) |
Payment/Billing
| Service | Drip | ConvertKit | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stripe | Yes (Via Zapier) | Yes (Used for ConvertKit Commerce) | Yes (Deep native integration) |
| Paddle | No (Not natively supported) | No (Not supported) | Yes (Deep native integration) |
| ConvertKit Commerce | No (N/A) | Yes (Native digital product sales) | No (N/A) |
Creator Tools
| Service | Drip | ConvertKit | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teachable | Yes (Via integration) | Yes (Native integration) | No (Not supported) |
| WordPress | Yes (Native plugin) | Yes (Native plugin) | Yes (Via plugin) |
| Patreon | Yes (Via Zapier) | Yes (Native integration) | No (Not supported) |
Developer Tools
| Service | Drip | ConvertKit | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| REST API | Yes (Full API for contacts and events) | Yes (API for subscribers and automations) | Yes (Full API with subscription endpoints) |
| Webhooks | Yes (Outgoing and incoming webhooks) | Yes (Basic webhook support) | Yes (Stripe/Paddle webhook parsing) |
| JavaScript SDK | Yes (Client-side tracking) | Yes (Form embedding script) | Yes (In-app event tracking) |
Analytics & Reporting
| Metric | Drip | ConvertKit | Sequenzy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Rate Tracking | Standard tracking with trends | Basic open rate reporting | Open tracking with sequence aggregation |
| Click Tracking | Click maps and link tracking | Link click tracking | Click tracking with feature attribution |
| Revenue Attribution | Ecommerce revenue per email | Commerce revenue tracking (basic) | MRR impact per sequence and email |
| Sequence Performance | Workflow-level conversion rates | Sequence open and click rates | Sequence funnel with drop-off analysis |
| Cohort Analysis | Segment-based reporting | Not available | Trial cohort analysis by signup date |
| Export Options | CSV export and API | CSV export and API | CSV export and API |
Drip: Unique
- + Revenue per subscriber
- + Product performance metrics
- + Cart recovery revenue
- + Lifetime value by source
ConvertKit: Unique
- + Subscriber growth dashboard
- + Creator Network referral stats
- + Newsletter performance trends
- + Commerce conversion tracking
Sequenzy: Unique
- + MRR impact dashboard
- + Trial conversion funnel
- + Dunning recovery rate
- + Subscription lifecycle reports
Pros & Cons
Drip
Pros
- + Far more powerful automation builder than ConvertKit
- + Deep ecommerce integrations with Shopify and WooCommerce
- + Full Liquid templating for advanced personalization
- + Product recommendation engine for ecommerce
- + All features included on every plan
- + Better analytics and reporting capabilities
- + Revenue attribution tied to campaigns and workflows
- + Behavioral tracking for browse and purchase events
Cons
- - No free plan (ConvertKit offers free up to 10K subscribers)
- - Higher starting price than ConvertKit
- - Not designed for content creators or bloggers
- - No built-in digital product or course sales tools
- - No newsletter referral system or Creator Network
- - Overkill for simple email sequences
- - No SaaS-specific subscription lifecycle features
- - Can feel complex for users with simple needs
ConvertKit
Pros
- + Generous free plan for up to 10,000 subscribers
- + Designed specifically for content creators and bloggers
- + Built-in digital product and tip jar sales
- + Excellent deliverability rates in the industry
- + Clean, simple interface that is easy to learn
- + Creator Network for cross-promotion with other creators
- + Newsletter referral program built in
- + Plain-text email philosophy leads to high engagement
Cons
- - Automation builder is basic compared to Drip
- - Limited ecommerce integration depth
- - No product recommendation engine
- - Minimal email template design options
- - No cart abandonment functionality
- - Analytics and reporting are basic
- - No contact scoring or lead scoring
- - Not suited for complex, behavior-driven drip campaigns
Best For: Who Should Use What?
Blogger Building an Email List
A blogger wants to grow their list and deliver content drips with lead magnets.
ConvertKit is purpose-built for content creators with tag-based sequences and lead magnet delivery.
Ecommerce Store with Shopify
An online store needs cart recovery, post-purchase, and browse abandonment drips.
Drip's deep Shopify integration and ecommerce automation are unmatched by ConvertKit.
SaaS with Free Trial Model
A SaaS startup needs trial conversion and onboarding drip sequences.
Sequenzy's pre-built SaaS drip sequences and native Stripe integration save weeks of setup.
Online Course Creator
A course creator wants to drip course content and sell digital products.
ConvertKit's content drip sequences and built-in Commerce features are ideal for course creators.
Subscription Business with Churn
A subscription company needs dunning and churn prevention sequences.
Only Sequenzy offers native payment failure detection and pre-built dunning sequences.
DTC Brand Maximizing Revenue
A DTC brand wants purchase-triggered upsell and cross-sell drips.
Drip's product recommendation engine and purchase-based automation are purpose-built for DTC revenue growth.
Newsletter Publisher
A writer runs a paid newsletter and wants referral-based growth.
ConvertKit's Creator Network and newsletter referral program are unique features for publishers.
Bootstrapped SaaS Founder
A solo SaaS founder wants affordable drip email with minimal setup.
At $19/mo with pre-built SaaS sequences, Sequenzy requires the least setup time and cost.
Migration Guide
Drip to ConvertKit
- 1. Export contacts from Drip as CSV with tags and fields
- 2. Import subscribers into ConvertKit with tag mapping
- 3. Recreate segments as ConvertKit tags
- 4. Rebuild workflows as ConvertKit visual automations
- 5. Recreate email sequences in ConvertKit
- 6. Set up forms and landing pages to replace Drip signup forms
- 7. Test all automations before going live
- 8. Update website tracking and form embeds
Watch Out
- ! Liquid templates will need to be adapted to ConvertKit format
- ! Complex branching logic may not be replicable in ConvertKit
- ! Ecommerce integration depth will decrease significantly
- ! Revenue attribution and product recommendation features will be lost
ConvertKit to Drip
- 1. Export subscribers from ConvertKit with tags and custom fields
- 2. Import contacts into Drip with field mapping
- 3. Recreate ConvertKit tags in Drip
- 4. Rebuild sequences as Drip workflows
- 5. Migrate email content (plain-text to visual templates)
- 6. Connect ecommerce integrations in Drip
- 7. Set up site tracking with Drip JavaScript snippet
- 8. Test workflows and verify all triggers
Watch Out
- ! ConvertKit Commerce products will not migrate (Drip has no digital product sales)
- ! Creator Network and referral features will be lost
- ! Plain-text email aesthetic will change with Drip templates
- ! Subscriber engagement history will not carry over
The Bottom Line
Choose Drip if...
- ✓ You run an ecommerce store and need purchase-based automation
- ✓ You want advanced branching logic in your drip sequences
- ✓ You need product recommendations and revenue attribution
- ✓ You use Shopify or WooCommerce and need deep integration
- ✓ You want Liquid templating for advanced email personalization
- ✓ Your automation needs go beyond simple linear sequences
Choose ConvertKit if...
- ✓ You are a content creator, blogger, or newsletter writer
- ✓ You want to sell digital products directly from your email platform
- ✓ You value simplicity and clean interfaces over feature depth
- ✓ You want the highest possible email deliverability rates
- ✓ You need a free plan that supports up to 10,000 subscribers
- ✓ You want a Creator Network for cross-promotion opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Drip better than ConvertKit for drip campaigns?
Drip has a more powerful automation builder with deeper triggers and branching logic. ConvertKit is simpler and better for linear, content-focused drip sequences. Your choice depends on complexity needs.
Does ConvertKit have automation workflows?
Yes, ConvertKit has a visual automation builder that supports triggers, actions, and conditions. It is simpler than Drip but sufficient for creator-focused workflows like welcome sequences and course drips.
Which is better for selling digital products?
ConvertKit has built-in Commerce features for selling digital products, tip jars, and paid newsletters. Drip requires third-party integrations for digital product sales.
Can I use ConvertKit for SaaS onboarding emails?
You can create basic timed sequences in ConvertKit, but it lacks SaaS-specific triggers and subscription lifecycle awareness. Sequenzy is purpose-built for SaaS drip campaigns.
Which has better deliverability?
ConvertKit typically outperforms Drip in deliverability (95-97% vs 93-95%). ConvertKit's plain-text email focus and creator audience contribute to higher engagement and inbox rates.
Is ConvertKit free?
ConvertKit offers a free plan for up to 10,000 subscribers with basic features. However, visual automations and sequences require the paid Creator plan ($29/mo for 1,000 subscribers).
Which platform is more affordable?
ConvertKit is cheaper at entry level with its free plan. For paid plans, ConvertKit starts at $29/mo vs Drip at $39/mo. Sequenzy starts at $19/mo for SaaS-specific features.
Can either platform handle dunning emails?
Neither Drip nor ConvertKit offers native dunning email sequences. Both require manual webhook or Zapier setups. Sequenzy provides native Stripe and Paddle dunning sequences.
Which is better for ecommerce?
Drip is significantly better for ecommerce with deep Shopify/WooCommerce integration, cart abandonment, product recommendations, and purchase-triggered automations. ConvertKit is not designed for ecommerce.
Should I switch from ConvertKit to Drip?
Switch if you need advanced automation, ecommerce features, or behavior-driven drip campaigns. Stay with ConvertKit if you are a content creator who values simplicity and high deliverability.